Bus Services Halted: Community Faces Road Woes

Bus services on the Vatukoula back road were temporarily halted for four days due to hazardous road conditions. The Lautoka General Transport, responsible for servicing this route, suspended operations from Vusavusa Junction, located around nine kilometers from Ba Town. The poor state of the road prompted this decision, which left many local residents and farmers in a difficult position.

After the bus services were stopped, the Public Works Department sent a grader to begin repairs at the junction. However, concerns were raised by locals, like resident Radhan Prasad, about the road’s condition post-grading. He noted that the absence of gravel could worsen the situation if more rain fell, which typically exacerbates road deterioration.

Prasad, a cane farmer, expressed the challenges faced by himself and others living near Bulabula School. They had to transport their market produce approximately 400 meters to reach the junction and catch a bus. After some improvements on the road, service resumed as far as the school, but ultimately turned back when conditions remained unsafe.

Commenting on the situation, Prasad highlighted the risks posed by frequent heavy rainfall which exposed boulders beneath the road surface, raising fears among bus drivers about potential damage to their vehicles. Another resident, Sunil Chand, lamented that the road had been poorly maintained for over a year, worsening with the recent heavy rains.

As the start of the school year approaches, Prasad expressed hope that necessary upgrades would be made to the road, as many children rely on bus services to attend school. Encouragingly, officials from the Road Transport Department were spotted at Bulabula inspecting the situation, suggesting proactive steps may be taken to address the community’s concerns.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges that vulnerable transport routes can face, especially in rural areas. With local authorities engaging with residents and inspecting the roads, there is cause for optimism that improvements will soon be made, enhancing accessibility for both students and farmers in the region.